1 year natural!!! (18 months post relaxer!)

  Pics above are of a semi stretched true wash and go :)  Products used:olive oil, avocado butter, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Shea Moisture Curling Souffle :)  I will be posting a video showing how I do this style soon :) 


Check out.  1 Year Natural! - Hair Talk ( Regimen, Struggles, Protective Styles,Goals,) - NaturalMe4C 

My Big Chop at 6 Months Post Relaxer (August 5, 2012)

         I made it!!!  I'm super excited that it's been a year since I did my big chop!!! Time flies!   

1.  What am I happy about being 1 year natural?
  I'm happy that my hair is thriving without relaxers!  I never really thought I'd be able to have healthy hair without straightening it or something.  I was sooooo wrong lol.  My hair is loving being out and about and doing her thing!  I'm having a great time just letting my fro be.  I'm also happy that my hair has been maintaining its moisture year round :)  So the regimen I have stuck with this long has really paid off.  


2.  Where is my current length? 


    I had Ty measure my hair before my last trim (I'll be sure to post that trim video)  but my length was between 7.5 and 8.5 inches long depending on where you pulled the hair from. The middle of my nape was the shortest at 7.25 inches.  Prior to this past trim, I've had two previous trims that I took about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch off each time.
     On my journey, I'm not solely focusing on length... I want my hair to grow but I want to have fun and wear my hair in ways I enjoy as well.  I just want my hair to be healthy.  Who knows, I may get the urge to cut my hair out of no where one day just because lol.  


3.  What have I struggled with?


  *  I've struggled with SSK's of course lol :)  Since I wear my hair out and about I'm sure to have SSK's.  However, people who protective style also get them lol.  They are just a part of having kinky curly coily hair :D  I just make sure I keep up on my trims to make life easier when detangling and styling.  

*  FRIZZ!  enough said LOL!!!!

*  Last, I've struggled with the sensitive area in the nape of my hair.  I will be playing around with oils etc. to see if I can improve that area.  It's been that way FOREVER, so I'm not expecting too much change but I'm hopeful :)



4.  Am I making any changes to my regimen?

  I'm going to be sticking with both the LOC method and modified Curly Girl methods that I've been doing.  As far as products, Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash had become my No.1 thing to use for cowashing!  Yup it took over my Vo5!!!  I will still be using Vo5 but more than likely it will be as my second "condition" during my wash session.  


    I will also be using something to clean deeper at least once a month .  Right now, the things I'll bounce between are Apple Cider Vinegar, Shea Moisture's Purification Masque, and Shea Moisture's Curl and Shine Shampoo. (Yup I'm thinking about trying my beloved shampoo again! I haven't used it since September 2012!  This shampoo is curly girl friendly and doesn't contain harsh sulfates, silicones, etc. )


    I also plan to deep condition more with oils to help with the thickness of my hair.  Right now, the only oils I use are olive, avocado, peppermint, castor, and a rare coconut oil (which I'm determined to make work for my fro lol).  I will be looking into other oils like jojoba, rosemary, basil, and tea tree etc. and choose which ones I think will suit Ms. Fro the best :)  


As far as protein treatments, I will be lookin into using things like greek yogurt and avocado mixes for a gentle protein boost :) We'll see!



5.  Do I plan on protective styling? 


    I have never been a protective styler. I've always enjoyed being hands on with my hair and learning how to handle it.  I loved phony ponytails when I was relaxed but that's about it lol. I've never had a sew in, lace front or anything like that.    Right now,  I don't plan on doing protective styles for long periods of time. I have a very sensitive scalp and I need to change the position of my hair frequently to prevent soreness and stress on my scalp.  


    That's not to say that I will never do phony ponytails and buns again :)  I like them and am sure I will do them at some point.   I may try mini twists at some point just to change things up. And I'm totally going to have times where I decide not to remove my twistout twists and pin them up in some sort of style. 


  I think there is more of a chance of me doing protective styles for an extended periods of time if I was away on vacation or something and didn't have my normal resources available to me and or I was going to be in the sun and water all the time. :)


6.  What are my goals moving forward?


    I want to continue keeping things simple.  I'm going to focus on the thickness of my hair and see if I can improve it a little. However, I'm not gonna take special vitamins, do castor oil challenges or things like that, but I will be incorporating more oils in my regimen.  My hair seems to be growing at a normal rate so I'm just gonna focus on being healthy as a whole and my hair hopefully will reflect that :)


Congrats to all those who have reached milestones on their journeys!!! :D  Rock your textures!
Don't forget to stay prayerful in all things...even hair!